What sets the internet apart from other modes of communication—video, audio, text, imagery—is the way it translates a combination of forms into meaning through the use of animated gifs. Here, we present a glossary of their definitions.

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Gifs—"graphics interchange formats"—are unique to the internet, in that they utilize a short loop of soundless video-like motion to convey thoughts, feelings, memes, or retorts. While a picture says a thousand words, a gif gets the point across much more succinctly.

Note: You can use all of these gifs yourself! Just right-click and copy the image code, or drag the image itself to the space where you want to insert the code.

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AAAHH - a reaction of elation to exciting news

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Agreed - a response of assent with another

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Agreed (emphatic)

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Ain't no thang - response to a mild, insignificant inconvenience

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Applause - expression of approval, appreciation, acclaim

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Bitch, please - incredulous response to something that is outrageous, stupid, or false; can also be used in response to an unintimidating threat

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Bitch, please (var.)

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Boo hoo - mostly used sarcastically to invalidate someone's sadness; can also be used genuinely to convey one's own sadness

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Bring it - an invitation to a challenge

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Check yourself - a request issued to someone to pause and examine his/her actions or words before proceeding

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Cringe - used in response to something unfunny, awkward, or embarrassing

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Cuckoo - response to insanity

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Dead to me - hyperbolic expression of washing one's hands of someone

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Deal with it - image macro used as a retort to someone's disapproval

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Do not want - a standard reply to anything undesirable; can also be used to alert others as to whether content is worth viewing

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Do not want (emphatic)

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Duh - response to when the obvious is stated

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Eye roll - gesture of dismay or exasperation

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Ew - response of disgust

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Fuck yo couch - similar to the use of "Fuck you" IRL, this conveys total irreverence

Jane! - originating on the HBO series The Comeback, this is a request for a "time out" or a complete halt to an uncomfortable situation

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LOL - laughing out loud

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Move on - utilized to change the direction of a conversation that has been exhausted or is no longer productive; also can be used as a social cue to encourage others to no longer focus attention on unworthy subject matter

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NBD - "no big deal"; used in response to something typical

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Oh no you didn't - response of incredulity

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OMG - "oh my God"; exclamation of surprise or disgust

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O RLY? - used to convey a deadpan response to something doubtful, dumb, or unimpressive

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O RLY? (var.)

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Shimmy - used to express one's pride over a modest achievement; also used sarcastically to patronize another's modest achievement

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Shut up - plea for an end to an unworthy conversation or false statement